黑瓜吃料网

• You must be physically present in the USA with an active F-1 status and on a current authorized Post-Completion OPT period.

• You must have earned a Bachelor鈥檚, Master鈥檚, or Doctoral Degree in a STEM program. To confirm your eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension, check that the program name and CIP code listed under 鈥淧rogram of Study鈥� on your I鈥�20 match those on the latest DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If the field of study does not appear in the most current list, you are not eligible for STEM Extension. 

 

• • Past STEM Degree Earned: Your STEM OPT Extension application can be submitted based on a previous degree earned in the past (Bachelor鈥檚 or above). Please see an ISC advisor to talk about this option. 

• You must have an Employer - Self-Employment is not permitted.

• Employment must be for at least 20 hours per week.

• You must have a job offer or be working for an employer that is enrolled in USCIS鈥檚 鈥溾�� employment eligibility verification program. You can check if your employer is e-verified .
  • Multiple Employers: You may have multiple employers as long as each employment is paid, meets the minimum number of work hours, relates to your field of study, and is 鈥�.鈥� They all should have completed the I-983 form and reported in SEVIS.

• Employment must be directly related to the STEM field of study.

• I-983 Form completed and signed by the employer and the student.

• STEM I-765 Form must be submitted within 90 days before the end of the Post-Completion OPT.

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USCIS must receive the STEM OPT Extension application within the following timeline:

• No earlier than 90 days before the Post-Completion OPT EAD card expiration date; and

• No later than the day before the Post-Completion OPT EAD card expiration date.

Important: You must be physically present in the USA to apply for STEM OPT.

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DHS requires both employers and students to collaborate in completing the . This form outlines how the STEM OPT employment relates to the student鈥檚 STEM degree and documents the training goals and learning objectives.

The student must submit the to the ISC upon request for a STEM OPT Form I-20. The sections below must be completed and signed upon STEM OPT I-20 Request submission to the ISC:

• Students must complete Page 1 - Sections 1 & 2.
• Employers must complete Pages 2 & 4 - Sections 3, 4 & 6.
• Students & Employers must complete together Page 4 - Section 5
• Leave Page 5 blank. (Part of validation & reporting Requirements).

 

Section 1: Student Information 

• Name of School Reporting STEM OPT: 黑瓜吃料网 (do not abbreviate)

• Name of School Where STEM Degree Was Earned: 黑瓜吃料网.
  • If you are applying for STEM OPT Extension based on a previously earned degree from a different institution, you must meet with an advisor from the ISC first before submitting your STEM OPT I-20.

• SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT: SND214F00142000

• Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information: Enter  "Clarissa Fontanilla-Fajardo" for the Name. Enter [email protected] and (619) 594-1982 for the email address and phone number.

• STEM OPT Requested Period:
  • Start Date: Begins the day after the Post-OPT end date on your EAD.
  • End Date: Ends 2 years from that date. (Example: if the end date on your Post-OPT EAD is 6/25/2024, then your dates will be From 6/26/2024 To 6/25/2026)

• Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: Found on page 1 of your I-20, under 鈥淧rogram of Study/Major 1鈥� . Include both the Major name and the 6-digit number.

• Level/Type of Qualifying Degree: Find this info in your I-20 under "Program of Study/Education Level"

• Date Awarded: The date you earned your STEM degree at 黑瓜吃料网.

• If you have not graduated, enter the anticipated date that you will earn your degree.

• Based on Prior Degree: Check "No" If this application relates to a degree earned before your most recent 黑瓜吃料网 program, meet with an ISC advisor before continuing your application.

• Employment Authorization Number: "USCIS Number" found on your EAD (9 digits) starting with the number 鈥�1鈥�.

 

Section 2 - Student Certification

Read carefully and sign this section by printing and signing with a pen. Verified electronic signatures, such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign, are accepted.

 

Section 3 & 4 - Employer Information and Attestation

 

• Employer Name: Must be the full legal name of the company, as listed in the .

• Employer Address: Must be the company's mailing address.

• Employer Website: If no website exists, list N/A

• Employer ID Number (EIN): Enter the Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is 9 digits long.

• Number of Employees: Include all Full鈥怲ime employees in the United States.

• OPT Training Hours Per Week: Must be a minimum of 20 hours per week

• Start Date of Employment: Enter the date the student will begin STEM OPT employment with the employer. This date may differ from the STEM OPT start date entered in section 1.

• Compensation: This section must include the total compensation and the frequency of pay (per hour, week, bi鈥恮eekly, monthly, annually, etc.).

The attestation must be signed by an employer with authorized signatory power, such as your direct supervisor, an HR representative, the CEO, a Director, or another designated official.

 

Section 5- Training Plan for STEM OPT Students

• Student Name: enter your name (last name, first name) as it appears on your I-20 and SEVIS record

• Employer Name: enter the full legal name of the company.

• Site Name: Enter the employer鈥檚 worksite name. It could be the same as listed in section 3.
  • If the worksite is different from the headquarters, add the branch name.

• Site Address: Add the address of the location where the student will physically perform the duties of their employment.
  • If the position is fully remote, add the student鈥檚 physical address where work duties will be performed. For example: the student鈥檚 residence address.

• Name, Title, Email, and Phone Number of Official: Add the information of the official who will supervise the student鈥檚 goals and performance as listed in this section.

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Step 1 - Complete your I-983  Form

You must complete the before submitting your STEM OPT I鈥�20 Request. Make sure both you and your employer fill out the form fully and accurately. 

Incomplete or incorrect forms will be rejected and will delay the processing of your request.

 

Step 2 - Pay the ISC STEM OPT Administrative Fee

Pay the 黑瓜吃料网 $200 International Student STEM Optional Practical Training Administrative Processing Fee.

You will need to save a screenshot of the payment information or the PDF of your email receipt upon completion of the payment process to upload to the I-20 request form. 

You may use to access the payment site.

 

Step 3 - Request your STEM OPT I-20

Before completing the S, gather the following information and documents:

• The completed I-983 form;

• The proof of STEM OPT Administrative fee payment.

• Based on your STEM OPT start date, calculate your 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month participation validation reporting dates. (See Reporting Requirements below).

• Based on your STEM OPT start date, calculate your 12 and 24-month evaluation reporting date (same participation validation reporting dates).

Once all these steps are completed, you are ready to submit the.

It can take up to 7 business days for the ISC to complete your request if all items in your form have been completed correctly.

 

Step 4 - Complete and Submit the I-765 Form to USCIS

While waiting to receive the OPT STEM I-20 from the ISC, you may start to complete your I-765 application.

        1. to complete the form I-765.

        2. Select the I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.

        3. Select the Eligibility Category: c(3)(C) STEM Extension

        4. Upload the following documents:

• • STEM OPT I-20 (issued within 30 days)

• • (recent photo)

• • Most Recent I-94

• • Post-completion EAD Card (front & back)

• • Biographical pages of your passport (if different from your I-94)

• • Diploma (if not graduated, use your unofficial transcript)

• • Institution Accreditation is not required. Unless you are submitting a STEM application based on a previous STEM degree earned in the USA.

       5. Select the Processing form:

• • Standard Processing: Upon completion of the I-765 form, and just before submitting your form, you will be required to pay a .
    
    • The standard processing time for USCIS to review and adjudicate your application can take up to 4 months.

• • Premium Processing (USCIS Form I-907): If you need to receive an adjudication of your application in a shorter timeframe, you have the option to pay for . USCIS guarantees the adjudication of your application within 30 days of submission. This fee is in addition to the standard filing fee. 
    
    • can be paid by filing Form I-907 at the time you file your STEM OPT I-765 application, or after filing your STEM OPT I-765 application (while your OPT application is pending). Note that the ISC cannot contact USCIS on your behalf to inquire about expedited processing.

        6. Pay the I-765, STEM Application Fee & submit your application.

Important: Email Address -  We recommend that you use your personal email for your STEM OPT application, USCIS & SEVP accounts. If you are still using your 黑瓜吃料网 email address, submit a to request a change of email. After 1 year of graduation, you lose access to your 黑瓜吃料网 account, and you will no longer receive emails. 

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While your OPT STEM Extension application is pending review through USCIS, you are allowed to continue working for up to 180 days after your Post- Completion OPT end date as listed on your EAD card.

 If your employer requires proof of this automatic extension, you can refer them to the webpage.

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I-765 Application Status: You can check the status of your application through the Online webpage or by logging into your USCIS account. It is normal for your case status to say 鈥榗ase received鈥� for most of the

USCIS uses numerous to communicate with applicants about their benefit application. These letters will be sent out by mail, and will be listed in your My.USCIS account under the 鈥淒ocuments鈥� tab. We highly recommend checking your account regularly to avoid missing any communication.

Form I-797C, Notice of Action: After the successful filing of your I-765 form, you will receive a receipt of application, which may also indicate that you will need to go through . A follow-up I-797C Biometric Notification letter will be sent out to you with a pre-set day, time, and location for your appointment. To avoid missing this appointment, regularly check your My.USCIS account and click on the "Documents Tab" to see all communications related to your case. 

Upon approval of your application, USCIS will send you the I-797 Notice confirming the approval of your application and the approved dates of employment. You should not start working until you receive your EAD Card. 

EAD Card: In most cases, if your application has been approved, USCIS will list the EAD mailing tracking number under your application status. Once you have the tracking number, we recommend registering for . Expect additional time (up to several weeks) for you to receive the EAD card by mail. 

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Biometrics Appointment

USCIS might issue a Form I-797C, Notice of Action for Biometrics (photograph and fingerprinting). This will require your appearance at an for biometrics and a photo. You will receive a pre-set date, time, and location for your biometric appointment. We highly recommend checking your account regularly for the latest communication from USCIS. 

If you need to reschedule your current ASC Biometrics Appointment, you may log in to your USCIS online account to use the online Self-Rescheduling tool or go to . You will be able to change the date, time, and location of the appointment.

Please note: The Self-Rescheduling tool cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that has already been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or has already passed.

 

Request For Evidence (RFEs)

If you received a notification from USCIS requesting the submission of evidence or if the application has returned, you may forward a copy of your letter or email to [email protected] to request assistance from the ISC. Don鈥檛 forget to include your name and Red ID. The USCIS notice letter will specify a deadline for your response submission.

 

Denied Applications

If your STEM OPT application has been denied, you must act immediately. Contact the 黑瓜吃料网 International Student Center to help you understand the denial reason and guide you through some possible options.

Review the Denial Notice:  

Carefully read the denial letter from USCIS. It will outline the specific reasons for the denial (such as an incorrect filing date, missing documents, employer ineligibility, photo issues, etc.). The reason for denial will determine whether you are eligible to submit a Motion to Reconsider or a Motion to Reopen the USCIS decision.

If you believe the decision was based on a USCIS error, or if you had a reasonable justification for submitting your application late (due to circumstances beyond your control), you must file the appeal or motion within 30 days of the denial or dismissal, or 33 days if the decision was sent by mail. You should not work while your appeal or motion is pending.

If the denial occurred within the 90鈥慸ay application window (before the end date of your Post鈥慍ompletion OPT as listed on your EAD card), you may be able to refile a corrected application with a new I鈥�20 issued by your DSO. Your re-application eligibility will be mentioned on the I-797 denial letter.

You may continue working for up to 180 days from the end date of your EAD card, provided your STEM OPT reapplication is submitted before your current EAD end date.

If the denial is final and occurred after the 90鈥慸ay application period (after the end date of your Post鈥慍ompletion OPT as listed on your EAD card), you must stop working immediately. Unless your STEM OPT was denied due to a failure to maintain F鈥�1 status, you will have a 60鈥慸ay grace period to:

• Transfer your SEVIS record to another school
• File for a change of status
• Travel abroad or return to your home country

Important: You have 30 days from the date of the denial notification to submit an appeal or motion to reconsider the STEM OPT denial decision.

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If you have been notified that your OPT has been approved, check your USCIS case status or your USCIS online account to confirm whether your EAD card has been issued and to obtain the USPS tracking number.

If your case status indicates that the card has been mailed but no tracking number is available, you will need to contact USCIS directly to request it. You can reach them at 1鈥�800鈥�375鈥�5283.

 

Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged EAD Card

You must submit a new OPT application and pay the USCIS I鈥�765 filing fee if you need a card (for example, if the original card was lost, stolen, damaged, or contained an error made by the applicant).

You will need the following:

• New Form I鈥�765 indicating the reason for filing as 1.b 鈥� Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document. You must also indicate that you have previously applied for OPT or STEM OPT and list your prior receipt number. Refer to the Form I鈥�765 instructions for additional guidance.

• A personal letter explaining how your EAD card was lost, stolen, never received, or damaged. Include any supporting documentation. For a stolen card, attach a police report. If you never received the card, clearly state this in your letter.

• A copy of the OPT I鈥�20 previously issued by the ISC for your original OPT or STEM OPT application. This I鈥�20 does not need to be issued within the past 30 or 60 days.

• A photo meeting USCIS requirements for the Form I鈥�765.

• The USCIS filing fee (refer to the USCIS I鈥�765 webpage for the current fee amount).

• A copy of your passport biographical page and F鈥�1 visa, if applicable.

• A copy of your most recent I鈥�94 record.

• A copy of your previous OPT/STEM OPT I鈥�797 receipt notice and a copy of your original EAD card, if available.

Important: You may be eligible to continue working after applying for a replacement EAD card. USCIS allows employees to work for up to 90 days from the date of hire if they present an official receipt notice for a replacement EAD. The ISC strongly recommends discussing this option with an immigration attorney and your employer. 

You might direct your employer to the following resources:

• , more specifically, Section 4.0 on completing Section 2 and on acceptable receipts.

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During the STEM OPT Extension, you get an extra 60 days of unemployment, added to any unused portion of the original 90 days from Post鈥慍ompletion OPT. This gives you a total of 150 days of unemployment across the full 36鈥憁onth OPT period. The additional 60 days only become available after your STEM OPT is approved.

If you accrue more than 150 days of unemployment, you will violate your F鈥�1 immigration status, and you must depart the United States immediately. There is no grace period if your unemployment days have surpassed the 150-day employment period.

Approved vacation and time off by your employer does not count as "unemployment" if you are still considered an employee of the company.

Students should make plans to transfer to another academic program or obtain a different visa classification before reaching the 150鈥慸ay limit. 

Important: SEVP may automatically terminate a student鈥檚 SEVIS record if they fail to report employment for more than 150 days, as this exceeds the allowable unemployment limit and violates F鈥�1 status.

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Maintaining your F-1 Status during your STEM OPT Extension requires continuous and timely reporting, within 10 days of change, to the following:

• Your U.S. Physical address or Phone Number through the

• Material Change to your employment by submitting the .

• Validating your STEM OPT Participation at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by submitting the

• Reporting your annual self-evaluations at 12 and 24 months by submitting the .

 

Material Changes

You are required to report, through the S, any material changes to or deviations from the employment previously outlined in your Form I鈥�983, such as but not limited to:

• Any change of the employer鈥檚 EIN.

• Any reduction in your compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked.

• Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity.

• • For example: Changing from Full-time (more than 20.1 hours per week) to Part-time (less than 20 hours per week).

•  Changes to the employer鈥檚 commitments or the student鈥檚 learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983. 

 

Validation Reporting Periods

Reporting Participation every 6 months: 

Validations are required every 6 months after the start date on your STEM OPT EAD. 

You will receive email reminders from SEVP ([email protected]) 30 days before your validation is due, and another reminder 5 days before the deadline. However, you should not rely solely on these notifications. You are responsible for knowing your deadlines and submitting your reports on time. 

 

Annual Self-Evaluation Periods:

Self- Evaluation Reports are required on your 12-month and 24-month validation periods and must be signed by your employer.

• 12-month Annual Self-Evaluation - Complete the top section of page 5 on your I鈥�983, sign it, and have your employer sign it as well. After all signatures are in place, upload the completed form within 10 days of your 12鈥憁onth mark using the STEM OPT Extension SEVIS Validation Report Form.e .

 

• 24-month Final Self-Evaluations - Complete the bottom section of page 5 on your I鈥�983, sign it, and have your employer sign it as well. After all signatures are in place, upload the completed form within 10 days of your 24鈥憁onth mark using the

Important: Not submitting a final evaluation would be a violation of the terms of the Form I-983, 鈥淭raining Plan for STEM OPT Students,鈥� and may jeopardize the student鈥檚 nonimmigrant status.

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Students may change or add new employers at any point during their STEM OPT period. For each new employer, students must submit a new, fully completed Form I鈥�983 through the  

If employment ends, the student must submit the Final Self鈥慐valuation of every employment, located in the bottom section of page 5 of the I鈥�983, regardless of time spent with any particular employer. Report the End of Employment through the .

Important: Not submitting a final evaluation would be a violation of the terms of the Form I-983, 鈥淭raining Plan for STEM OPT Students,鈥� and may jeopardize the student鈥檚 nonimmigrant status.

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Full Completion of STEM OPT Extension

Upon completing the 24鈥憁onth STEM OPT Extension, students receive a 60鈥慸ay grace period beginning the day after the STEM OPT end date listed on their EAD card, provided they have not exceeded the 150鈥慸ay unemployment limit. During this grace period, students may transfer their SEVIS record to another institution or make plans to depart the United States.

 

Ending your STEM OPT Extension Early 

If you plan to return home permanently before your STEM OPT Extension ends and will not re鈥慹nter the United States to complete it, you must submit the and upload a copy of your departure flight. This allows the ISC advisor to officially report the end of your F-1 status in SEVIS. Please meet with an ISC advisor to talk about your plans.

You should also submit your employment final self-evaluation within 10 days of the end of your employment.

Please note that upon completion/termination of your record in SEVIS, you should not try to re-enter the USA using the same SEVIS record.

 

Transfer of your SEVIS Record During STEM OPT Extension

If you plan to begin a new academic program before completing your STEM OPT Extension, you should meet with an ISC advisor to determine an appropriate transfer鈥憃ut date. Once your SEVIS record is transferred to the new institution, you must stop working immediately, as doing so indicates you have ended your STEM OPT employment eligibility.

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For detailed information, visit the website.

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Students who have been selected and are currently in pending or approved H鈥�1B status are given an automatic extension of their F鈥�1 status and work authorization until they permanently transition to the H-1B status between Oct. 1 and April 1 of the following year. This provision is known as the because it 鈥渇ills the gap鈥� between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1 B status for qualifying students.

Once the Change of Status information is received by SEVP, the cap-gap extension information is added to your SEVIS record, and it will show in your most recent I-20 under Change os Status/Cap-Gap Extension.

The cap鈥慻ap benefit applies only to students whose H鈥�1B petitions are filed as a change of status during the USCIS鈥慸esignated filing window. It does not apply if the employer files the petition under consular processing.

Your Cap-Gap Information should not change the end date of your Post-Completion OPT or your STEM OPT Extension. If it does, contact the ISC to review your SEVIS information and potentially request a correction.

If you are eligible for the STEM OPT extension and your H鈥�1B petition remains pending as you near the end of your Post鈥慍ompletion OPT, the ISC strongly recommends applying for the STEM OPT extension. If your H鈥�1B petition is ultimately denied, having a timely and approved STEM OPT extension will allow you to continue maintaining your F鈥�1 status and work authorization.

If you plan to travel outside the United States while your Change of Status application (e.g., F鈥�1 to H鈥�1B) is still pending, consult your attorney before making any arrangements. USCIS may consider your application abandoned if you depart the country before it is approved.

Please visit the for more information.

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Plan international travel carefully and stay informed about changes to immigration policies, as these updates may affect your ability to depart and re鈥慹nter the United States.

: If you stay outside the USA for more than 5 months, your SEVIS record will be auto-terminated, and you鈥檙e no longer eligible to re-enter the USA using the same SEVIS record.

 

Traveling While on Pending STEM OPT Application

Travelling outside the USA while on a pending STEM OPT Extension Application is not recommended. You will not be eligible to re-enter the U.S. until you receive your EAD card. 

Please, meet with an ISC advisor to discuss your situation.

 

Travelling Abroad with an Approved OPT Application

Once you have your STEM OPT EAD card, you may travel abroad and re-enter the United States as long as your travel falls within the STEM OPT validity dates listed on the EAD card and you have not exceeded the 150鈥慸ay unemployment limit.

For a full list of required travel documents, please refer to the Traveling Outside the U.S. page.

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Students on the STEM OPT Extension are not eligible to purchase the International Student policy that is offered through the ISC. You may instead utilize the health insurance plan available from your employer or find and purchase an individual health insurance plan.

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